As part of the Summer Learning Series (#SummerLS) led by Todd Nesloney (@TechNinjaTodd), I was challenged to take part in a Twitter EdChat by @DaisyDyerDuerr. I have participated and lurked in several EdChats over the past year, but I haven't really been involved in any lately. Thursday night I decided to tune in to #ArkEdChat and #MOEdChat.

Although I would say my participation was minimal, I learned a lot! The topic for discussion in #ArkEdChat was Classroom Management - something I feel I could improve. The biggest takeaway for me was that Classroom Management should actually be Classroom Leadership. The best way to lead your classroom is to develop a relationship with each student. When students know that you genuinely care for them, it is easier to redirect their behavior. Something else that was brought up is that praise should be done publicly and discipline should be done privately. Use non-verbal cues to redirect in the moment, and then follow up with a private, respectful conversation reminding your student of expectations. I also heard some great ideas on what students can do if they finish an assignment before others are finished.

After #ArkEdChat, I moved over to #MOEdChat, which is focusing on blogging this month. Last week, #MOEdChat challenged its participants to start a blog (if they didn't have one) and then blog about "why you love being an educator" or "why you decided to become an educator." A LiveBinder was then created to share everyone's blogs. This week they were issued a new challenge, but I have decided to fulfill the first challenge first! :) So here it is...

Why I LOVE Being an Educator:First and foremost, I love having the opportunity as an educator to invest time and energy into other people's lives, especially kids! I cherish helping and encouraging others. I have had a very blessed life with a great family, a fun childhood, and tons of opportunities. Many of the children I teach and coach have not been so fortunate, and they look to school as a place of safety and support. Maybe I can be the person to listen, motivate, care.

I especially love coaching because I develop better relationships with my athletes through time together on the court and shared competitive experiences. Helping a group of girls develop into a team that trusts each other and genuinely cares more about the team's outcome than their own stardom is awesome! Guiding a unified team to achieve their goals is priceless! I remember what it feels like to win a state championship as a player, and I want my student-athletes to experience the same thing!I also enjoy being an educator because I get to share what I know and what I learn. It's a lot of fun to see the "light bulb come on" when a student understands a concept for the first time or when a team runs a new play to perfection. Because I like sharing information and knowledge, I'm always hungry to learn more.A few other random reasons why I love teaching: I love having the time to travel, both domestically and internationally. I'm about 10 states short of having been to all 50. I really need to take a Northwest U.S. road trip! Who's in? I love having the time to see close friends and family - almost all of whom live out of state. Finally, I love being a part of the educator family: connecting, learning, and working with people who have a passion for helping others.My daily goal can be summed up by one of my dad's favorite sayings: BADM = Be a Difference Maker! Hopefully through my actions I am making a difference and witnessing for Jesus Christ - every day!

Precious Jamie, I'm thrilled to read your blog!. I'm so proud of you, I could pop buttons from here to the moon. You are exemplifying the best in this family's long line of teachers. I love your spirit, your ethical values and your wonderful curiosity. I want to be YOUR student; I so love this whole technological revolution and am peddling fast to barely keep up. I am a blessed aunt to have you in my life. I love you dearly.

Reply

Jamie Fithian

7/3/2014 06:11:32 am

Thank you for your kind words and compliments, my dear Aunt! I feel honored to continue our family's teaching legacy. I'm still working on how to bring my passions and love of learning to my classroom. One thing I know is that I want my students to have the opportunity to explore and pursue their interests as we navigate through technological tools and resources. Thank you for your support! I love you too!!